Do you mean these images?

The first is for new posts, the second is for "nothing new since your last visit." The flames coming from the first image are supposed to be a quick visual indication that there's something new in that board. Metaphorically speaking, a new topic/post is "moving" and worthy of attention (ROCKET GO!) whereas nothing new is free to drift around until things get exciting again (someone posts).
I suppose the second should, technically, still have the red checker pattern but I went for starker contrast instead.
If that's not what you meant, then could you try to explain further?
Either way, thanks for the feedback! If you find any other errors or have some suggestions feel free to let me know. I may even make a topic for that...